7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1) Recognizing Opportunity

I have chosen to pursue the issue regarding single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles, and plastic bags. In order to carry this out we must focus on spreading awareness and slowly implement more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. However, our beaches and oceans are so polluted with these plastics that it is crucial that we begin to un-do our actions. 

2) The Who, What, and Why

Who: Users of single use plastics (restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, grocery stores, etc.)

What: The mass distribution of these plastics to uninformed consumers is leading to an excess of un-recyclable plastic waste, leading to the pollution of our beaches and oceans

Why: Uninformed consumers allow this to continue, along with the higher costs for alternative solutions

3) Hypothesis

There is opportunity for changes in the way we act as everyday consumers if we are presented with alternative solutions such as paper straws or re-usable bags if we are properly informed of the dangers associated with single-use plastics.

Testing the Who: This is an issue that will affect coastal areas and oceans worldwide. Eventually, alternatives will become a need if the effects of plastic pollution escalate to alarming levels.

Testing the What: This issue pertains to ALL single-use plastics as they are non-reusable and will be disposed of as regular trash.

Testing the Why: The reason people continue to use single-use plastics is due to the convenience and the lack of proper knowledge they have on the subject. Large companies who are uninterested in climate/pollution issues will rarely educate their customers/consumers on these issues.

4) Interviews

I interviewed five of my high school friends to further discuss and elaborate on this issue. Due to the fact that we all went to a high school with a focus on marine science and ocean conservation, they very much related to the issue and heavily agreed with the need to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. The general consensus was that we must be more aware of our actions as daily consumers, and there should be more money allocated to finding alternatives and properly informing everyday people the dangers associated with the heavy usage of single use plastics that is so prevalent in the United States.